Malaysian premier urges peace as Iran's top diplomat arrives in Pakistan amid India tensions
Anwar Ibrahim’s statement comes amid tensions between nuclear-armed rivals since April 22 attack in Kashmir
- Abbas Araghchi to meet Pakistani leadership in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Monday that his country was ready to “play a role” for peace between Pakistan and India, as Iran's top diplomat arrived in Islamabad to meet Pakistani leadership.
Following his phone talks with his Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday, Anwar affirmed his country's support for an independent and transparent investigation to identify those responsible for the April 22 attack at Pahalgam tourist resort in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26.
"Malaysia remains open to playing a constructive role, should the need arise. We believe our close ties with both Pakistan and India place us in a position to support efforts towards regional peace and stability," he said on X.
Separately, Iranian top diplomat Abbas Araghchi arrived on an official visit to Islamabad where he will meet top Pakistani officials, days after he offered to mediate to reduce tensions between the two nuclear powers.
Araghchi is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, according to Pakistan's Foreign Ministry.
Speaking to reporters upon his arrival, Araghchi urged reducing tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi and called on all parties to exercise restraint and prevent escalation, according to Iranian news agency IRNA.
He is also expected to travel to New Delhi after his meeting with Pakistani leadership.
Tensions are running high between the nuclear-armed neighbors following the attack in Kashmir.
India blamed Pakistan, saying the attack had “cross-border links.” Islamabad denied and instead offered a neutral probe with third-party monitoring.
Both countries have taken diplomatic measures against each other, including canceling visas for each other’s citizens and recalling some diplomatic staff.
India also suspended its participation in the Indus Waters Treaty, a 1960 water use and distribution agreement with Pakistan.
In recent days, many countries, including the US, have contacted leaders of both countries in an attempt to ease tensions.
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